Cranford approves funds to remove debris from Rahway River

CRANFORD – The township committee took several steps Tuesday night to further clean up the Rahway River, an ongoing issue for Cranford since the devastation of Hurricane Irene.

The committee approved several items on the consent agenda that appropriate grant funds for de-silting and de-snagging the river, which is clogged with silt, downed trees and other debris. Residents have frequently complained to the committee about the state of the river, which some fear could make future storms even more problematic.

View full sizeResident Mary O'Connor discusses street work in the township during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Among the resolutions approved Tuesday night were revenue and appropriation of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery 2013 Grant Program; Union County’s Sandy Recovery Project; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Grant for Sandy Recovery; the authorization of a shared services agreement with Union County in connection with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Grant for river debris removal; and authorizing an award of contract to Hatch Mott MacDonald for engineering design services in connection with the USDA grant.

Another resolution approved authorized the award of contract to the Musial Group for architectural services as part of the renovation of the upper level of the municipal building.

“We’re doing a lot of good stuff, from working on the municipal center to de-snagging the river,” Commissioner Andis Kalnins said.

Deputy Mayor Ed O’Malley added that some of the items had previously been announced, such as the $5,000 Community Development Block Grant and the $330,000 grant from the USDA to fund the river de-snagging.

In other business, commissioners introduced an ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of new additional or replacement equipment and machinery, new communication and signal systems equipment and new automotive vehicles. The ordinance appropriates $630,000 to pay all the related costs, make a down payment, and authorize the issuance of bonds.

The second ordinance introduced is a bond ordinance for projects and improvements, including roads, sidewalks and curbs.

O’Malley said that when work began on some roads in the township, there was more deterioration than expected. Kalnins added that more streets have been added to the project this year. Potholes and the state of many township streets have been brought up frequently by residents who attend the committee meetings. Commissioner Kevin Campbell pointed out that the committee is working on putting together a five-year road program.